Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloys in Ingot Form for Foundry and Die Castings

ASTM B240-13: Your Essential Guide to Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum Alloy Ingots for Casting

When precision and reliability are paramount in your foundry and die casting operations, the quality of your raw materials dictates the success of your final product. ASTM B240-13, the "Standard Specification for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum (ZA) Alloys in Ingot Form for Foundry and Die Castings," provides an authoritative framework for ensuring the integrity of these essential casting alloys. This industry-leading standard is your benchmark for procuring ingots that meet stringent compositional and quality requirements, vital for producing high-performance castings.

What is B240-13?

ASTM B240-13 is a comprehensive standard that defines the chemical composition and quality requirements for zinc and zinc-aluminum (ZA) alloys delivered in ingot form. Developed by ASTM International, this specification ensures that ingots are suitable for remelting and subsequent manufacturing of pressure die castings and general foundry castings, serving as a critical link in the supply chain for metalcasters.

Scope & Purpose

This standard governs the procurement and quality assurance of zinc and zinc-aluminum alloy ingots intended for remelting. It specifically covers seven designated alloy compositions, including traditional Zamak alloys and ZA alloys, detailing their chemical makeup. The scope is limited to the ingot form itself and its suitability for casting processes; it does not cover the specifications for the finished castings, which are addressed in separate ASTM standards.

Who Must Comply?

• • Primary Audience: Materials Engineers, Metallurgists, Foundry Operators, Casting Technicians, Quality Control Inspectors, and Procurement Specialists involved with zinc and ZA alloy casting.
• • Industries Affected: Automotive, Aerospace, Industrial Machinery, Consumer Goods, Electronics, and any sector utilizing die casting or foundry processes with these alloys.
• • Compliance Nature: Voluntary, but highly recommended and often contractually mandated by buyers to ensure consistent material quality and performance.
• • Enforcement: Typically enforced through contractual agreements between suppliers and purchasers, with quality assurance checks often performed by independent laboratories or internal QC departments.

Key Requirements Overview

ASTM B240-13 mandates several critical aspects for zinc and ZA alloy ingots:

• • Defined Compositions: The standard requires ingots to strictly adhere to specified chemical composition limits for key elements like aluminum, magnesium, copper, iron, lead, cadmium, and tin, as outlined for each alloy type.
• • Purity and Quality: Professionals must ensure that ingots are free from excessive dross, adhering foreign matter, and surface oxides to prevent casting defects and maintain melt integrity.
• • Sampling and Testing: The specification outlines procedures for sampling ingots and dictates approved methods for chemical analysis to verify conformance to the specified limits.
• • Alloy Identification: It provides designations and cross-references to systems like UNS for clear identification and traceability of different alloy types.
• • Ingot Formats: While focusing on composition, the standard acknowledges common ingot sizes and shapes, ensuring practical handling and melting in foundry environments.

Related Standards & References

To fully leverage ASTM B240-13, professionals should also consult:

• • ASTM B86: "Specification for Zinc and Zinc-Aluminum Alloys for Foundry and Die Castings" – This standard specifies the requirements for the finished